Bill > S00757

This bill modifies the existing social services law to provide local social services districts with more flexibility in implementing a presumptive eligibility standard for child care assistance. Under the revised law, districts may (rather than must) utilize a presumptive eligibility standard, which allows families to receive temporary child care assistance while their full application is being processed. When a family applies, the local district will complete a preliminary eligibility determination, and if they appear to meet initial criteria, they can be presumed eligible for child care assistance from the application date until a final determination is made. The bill also clarifies that districts can use child care block grant funds for this presumptive eligibility period, to the extent permitted by federal law. If an application is ultimately denied, the district must provide written notice to the applicant explaining the ineligibility and their right to a fair hearing. The bill changes the effective date from an immediate implementation on May 3, 2024, to taking effect 180 days after becoming law, while allowing preparatory rulemaking to occur immediately. This modification aims to give local districts more discretion in administering child care assistance programs.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S757